MONTEVIDEO, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay captain Federico Valverde said Monday his team cannot afford a lapse in concentration as it seeks to secure its place at next year's FIFA World Cup.

The Celeste needs only a point from its last two games against Peru in Montevideo on Thursday and Chile in Santiago five days later to qualify automatically for football's showpiece in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"We're really looking forward to qualifying in this first match and being able to enjoy it with the fans," Valverde told reporters upon his arrival in Montevideo on Monday.

"We have to stay focused on what we want, enjoy the moment because, after four years of struggle and sacrifice, with so many players who have given their all for the national team, and the fans who have supported us, we can give them a reward as well."

Uruguay is fourth in the 10-team South American qualifying group, having struggled for consistency under Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa.

The top six teams will advance directly to the expanded 48-team World Cup while the seventh-ranked side will contest an intercontinental playoff.

"It's our fault, we have to accept things," the Real Madrid midfielder said of his team's patchy form. "But at the same time we've never had the starting eleven we all want due to injuries, suspensions, or various other issues. But the important thing is to try to achieve our goal as soon as possible." ■